(August 5, 2014 – Fuel Fix) North Dakota crude no more dangerous than similar fuels, report finds (By Robert Grattan)
HOUSTON — An industry-funded study released Monday concluded that the oil from the Bakken region doesn’t pose a greater risk to transport than other similar, types of crude.
The study is the most scientific analysis of the region’s crude so far, the North Dakota Petroleum Council said. The group hopes the report allays fears that Bakken oil may be more prone to ignition — after a series of accidents involving rail shipments of the oil.
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The report follows an analysis by the American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers that also suggested that Bakken crude is no more flammable or volatile than other light, sweet crudes, the Petroleum Council stated in the announcement.
However, a government report by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, recently suggested that the Bakken crude may be more volatile than others crudes. The PHMSA’s conclusion has been disputed by industry groups.
The report also offers significant new analysis that may help producers and refiners better understand the benchmarks for crude produced in the region, said Sandy Fielden, an analyst with RBN Energy LLC.
“If you have established standards that say what this crude looks like,” Fiedlen said, “It’s easier to for participants in the transaction to carry on business with more confidence.”
